Forty-one high school seniors and 51 elementary pupils of the Philippine School in Muscat, Oman marched up the stage with their proud parents in graduation ceremonies held at the Shangri-La Hotel on March 29. 

Majority of the graduates are children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), while a few are nationals from different countries in Asia and the Middle East. The multi-cultural mix of its student body lends credence to the many claims that the Philippine School, the only one of its kind catering primarily to OFW children in Oman, is an academic institution whose standards are comparable to other private international schools in the host country. 

In his speech, Philippine Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno underscored the power of core values to meet unique challenges facing the young graduates of today. While extolling the academic achievements of the Philippine School's 22nd graduating class, Ambassador Jimeno also remarked, “Your core values, whether it is an unyielding passion for greater learning, respect for elders, love for neighbors, generosity, hard work, honesty, or ambition, shape the choices you make and the manner by which you relate towards yourself and your family, your neighbor, your country, and even your environment." 

Most of the graduating seniors will return to the Philippines to pursue college degrees. A couple qualified for the University of the Philippines including Class Valedictorian Krismarie Maika Perdido, and Honors Awardee Kurt Gabriel Ducusin. A few plan to attend the University of Sto. Tomas, La Salle University, and St. Louis University. The majority, according to Chairman Dr. Rolaiza Roniella Singayao, will return to their respective provinces to continue higher education.